Sometimes the best way to do things is by going “under the radar” and doing a little “black boxing.” In other words, sometimes you just need to just do it and be the change-maker that God needs you to be.
Sometimes, “hacking” your ministry is just what needs to be done; sometimes it’s just what has to happen to get people’s attention, get things moving, and motivate people to action.
In terms of web technology it’s become easier and easier to do just that. For example:
Do you just know that you ministry needs a blog? Lay leaders are asking for it, the congregation has explicitly expressed the need, you’ve done your due-diligence in terms of educating, motivating, and encouraging the Senior Pastor that this is exactly what needs to be done, but nothing’s moving forward?
Hack it.
And when I mean “hack it” I simply mean just go do it. Start up that free blog on WordPress.com (or if you’re feeling really ballsy, go with the self-hosted WordPress.org). Get the buzz started, build the groundswell, tell the congregation about it, invite participation, and ramp it up.
Now, all things in wisdom, and I’m not suggesting deceit of any type or that the “means justify the ends” type scenario. But you have all the right to start a blog and to serve the needs of the body.
I bet that Senior Pastor will take notice, and when he does, all you’ll need to do is point him to the blog.
Bingo.
Need some more inspiration? Check out how BBC purposely hacked into 22,000 computers to prove a point. That’s tight.
[Image from LHL]
Phillip Gibb says
Yeah!!!!
props to Ron Tuffin for getting out Church Blog going in a manner somewhat similar to this.
I mean he just started it and now it is becoming a useful conduit of information.
Just praying that there will be more conversation that viewing.
Ancoti says
The Lord does not sreer a parked car. Start driving.
Jim says
Amen,brother.
Ryan says
This could be dangerous advice if someone does this as a backlash against the church, but poses as the "official" church blog. I would be afraid of what some people would post if not somehow sanctioned by the leadership of the church. It will just hurt the church if people pose as official bloggers and speak inconsistently with the church's vision and goals. Just another thing to think about…
Jim says
i completely agree, if God puts it on your heart…do it.
Stuart says
I can't agree with the overal tone of this post!
Two things – setting up (or "hacking it" in your vernacular) a blog is one thing and leaves unwilling parent ministry an out if it all goes wrong – "we didn't sanction it" etc …
Secondly, what the BBC did is being questioned has highly irregular over here in the UK even to the point where they may face consequences. I know if my PC (unlikely) had been one of the 20K I would be taming that a state sponsored media giant invaded my PC to "prove a point".
I understand the gist of what you're saying, but a little caution needs to be enacted.
human3rror says
That's fine. You can disagree. No problem with that!
I think the “all things in wisdom” is my catch all.
Starting a blog and therefore giving the parent ministry an “out” is completely fine. What's wrong with that?
The example of BBC was to provide support for what inevitably happened: awareness and attention.
Now, my comment on how the “ends don't justify the means” covers my butt in terms of my overall attitude and perspective.
Game on.
Stuart says
You don't have to defend yourself so hard 🙂
Maybe it's my British approach to the world (stiff upper lip and all that) but as I say, I got the gist of your post but was trying to temper it with a word of caution.
Peace out.
Graham Brenna says
haha… dude! this is totally what I did! of course my blog is more along the lines of your more personal human3rror.com I'm trying to talk a lot about the church and social media too. I've even got my senior pastor's wife a blog! Oh you bet he'll notice that one! That was a big victory for me… haha